The Parque de Flora y Fauna Silvestre Tropical (PAFFASIT) had its origins in 1984 but was only
declared a protected area in 1989. It is actively managed by the University of Veracruz´s Institute of
Neuroethology (study of nervous systems and behavior in animals).
Its 220 hectares (544 acres) sit above the north shore of Laguna Catemaco, Veracruz, between 500
& 700 meters high on the slopes of Cerro Pipiapan, near Nanciyaga.
The main activities of the park include: research on regional flora and fauna, conservation of Mexican
primates and teaching programs for primate studies and wildlife conservation.
PAFASSIT manages several islands in Laguna Catemaco
Tiny Isla Totogochillo was stocked with 32 stumptail macaques from Thailand in 1974 and later moved
to 6,750 square meter Isla Tanaxpillo in 1979 from where some swam to Isla Tenaspi. These monkeys
provide the major tourist attraction for Catemaco tour boat operators hauling tourists across the
laguna.
In 1986, 10 howler monkeys were introduced to 8.3 hectare Isla Agaltepec, a known unearthed
archaeological site, directly off shore Catemaco. The monkeys have happily, I hope, multiplied.
Menwhile troops of howler monkeys have been reintroduced into the Nanciyaga / LaJungla area and
are flourishing.
The station at Pipiapan, near Nanciyaga acts a both a research center and an isolation facility for the
island monkeys. It is not open to the public (I think).
It´s a beautiful area on the slopes of Cerro Pipiapan, contains 2 heavily fenced containment areas
housing troops of spider monkeys, and numerous other cage type facilities which are largely
abandoned at present (6/05)
Catemaco is now talking about a possible zoo being built in the area. This would be a perfect beginning.
References:
Some photos of the park:
declared a protected area in 1989. It is actively managed by the University of Veracruz´s Institute of
Neuroethology (study of nervous systems and behavior in animals).
Its 220 hectares (544 acres) sit above the north shore of Laguna Catemaco, Veracruz, between 500
& 700 meters high on the slopes of Cerro Pipiapan, near Nanciyaga.
The main activities of the park include: research on regional flora and fauna, conservation of Mexican
primates and teaching programs for primate studies and wildlife conservation.
PAFASSIT manages several islands in Laguna Catemaco
Tiny Isla Totogochillo was stocked with 32 stumptail macaques from Thailand in 1974 and later moved
to 6,750 square meter Isla Tanaxpillo in 1979 from where some swam to Isla Tenaspi. These monkeys
provide the major tourist attraction for Catemaco tour boat operators hauling tourists across the
laguna.
In 1986, 10 howler monkeys were introduced to 8.3 hectare Isla Agaltepec, a known unearthed
archaeological site, directly off shore Catemaco. The monkeys have happily, I hope, multiplied.
Menwhile troops of howler monkeys have been reintroduced into the Nanciyaga / LaJungla area and
are flourishing.
The station at Pipiapan, near Nanciyaga acts a both a research center and an isolation facility for the
island monkeys. It is not open to the public (I think).
It´s a beautiful area on the slopes of Cerro Pipiapan, contains 2 heavily fenced containment areas
housing troops of spider monkeys, and numerous other cage type facilities which are largely
abandoned at present (6/05)
Catemaco is now talking about a possible zoo being built in the area. This would be a perfect beginning.
References:
Some photos of the park:
Nature Reserves in Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz
Parque de Flora y Fauna Silvestre Tropical (PAFFASIT)
Wild Tropical Fauna & Flora Park
Parque de Flora y Fauna Silvestre Tropical (PAFFASIT)
Wild Tropical Fauna & Flora Park
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